Merrill Abel Nand’s return to Rewa FC has brought the Fiji international back to the club where his footballing journey began, and the move is already producing results. After spending several seasons with Suva, the 26-year-old forward has established himself as an important attacking figure for the Delta Tigers, scoring four goals in the openingContinue reading “Back where it all began: Merrill Nand rediscovers scoring touch at Rewa as IDC title defence intensifies”
Category Archives: Interviews
Tommy Semmy sees promising future for PNG but insists players and football association must do more
Papua New Guinea international Tommy Semmy believes the Kapuls have promising young talent capable of strengthening the national team in the coming years, but insists that greater commitment and continued work from both the players and the country’s football association will be necessary to turn that potential into results. Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football CenterContinue reading “Tommy Semmy sees promising future for PNG but insists players and football association must do more”
From sand pitches to IDC history: Teweia Butibara explains Kiribati’s challenge in Fiji
Kiribati’s first match at the FMF Inter-District Championship produced a historic goal, but for Teweia Butibara, the experience in Suva also exposed the enormous difference between the football environment available to many players at home and the conditions they are now encountering in Fiji. The 27-year-old Butibara scored Kiribati’s first-ever goal at the IDC asContinue reading “From sand pitches to IDC history: Teweia Butibara explains Kiribati’s challenge in Fiji”
Iosefa says Kiribati can reach Pacific standard after encouraging IDC debut
Kiribati coach Pine George Holomoana Iosefa believes his side showed that they can compete at a higher Pacific level despite their 4-2 defeat, while admitting that defensive mistakes remain the main area to correct before the team’s next appearance. The result came with disappointment, particularly because Kiribati conceded four times, but Iosefa’s assessment was farContinue reading “Iosefa says Kiribati can reach Pacific standard after encouraging IDC debut”
Matt Acton sees Vanuatu differently now — and coaching has become part of his future
Matt Acton originally arrived at Vanuatu United with the profile of a goalkeeper who could bring professional experience to the Pacific’s newest club competition. Less than a year later, his role has become considerably broader. Acton is still a goalkeeper. He is also Vanuatu United’s goalkeeper coach, has worked as goalkeeper coach within the VanuatuContinue reading “Matt Acton sees Vanuatu differently now — and coaching has become part of his future”
Nabil Begg sees professional experience shaping Fiji’s new generation after MSG triumph
Fiji’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup triumph may have provided another trophy for the national team, but for Nabil Begg the tournament also offered evidence of a wider transition taking place within Fijian football. The midfielder was part of the Fiji side that recovered during the competition to eventually claim the Melanesian crown on home soil,Continue reading “Nabil Begg sees professional experience shaping Fiji’s new generation after MSG triumph”
Godfrey Haro reflects on Hekari’s professional leap and admits PNG Kapuls omission remains a mystery
After five seasons with Hekari, Papua New Guinea defender Godfrey Haro has experienced almost every level of the club’s recent journey. From domestic football in PNG to repeated appearances in the OFC Champions League, a continental final and now the first season of the OFC Pro League, the 28-year-old has been part of a periodContinue reading “Godfrey Haro reflects on Hekari’s professional leap and admits PNG Kapuls omission remains a mystery”
From senior debut to historic Tahiti win: Emmett Connolly part of promising new Cook Islands generation
At only 19, Emmett Connolly has already experienced international youth football, development at one of Southeast Asia’s leading clubs and senior competition in New Zealand. His latest step has come with the Cook Islands national team — and within days of making his senior international debut, the young goalkeeper became part of one of theContinue reading “From senior debut to historic Tahiti win: Emmett Connolly part of promising new Cook Islands generation”
Three goals in three games, but Javin Wae wants Solomon Islands focused on the job against PNG
Javin Wae has become one of the most unexpected goalscoring figures of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. A central defender by trade, the Solomon Islands captain has found the net in each of his country’s first three matches in Fiji, repeatedly appearing at decisive moments as the Bonitos have remained unbeaten heading into theirContinue reading “Three goals in three games, but Javin Wae wants Solomon Islands focused on the job against PNG”
Ben Cahn: “You can play possession-based football with islands players” — the plan to reshape Solomon Islands
Before Ben Cahn began working in Solomon Islands football, he was told there was a style that simply would not work: possession football. The argument was that island players might possess individual flair, speed and attacking talent, but building a team capable of controlling matches consistently through the ball was another matter. A full seasonContinue reading “Ben Cahn: “You can play possession-based football with islands players” — the plan to reshape Solomon Islands”
